Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter | Stamford, CT

The Winter season in Connecticut and New York can be very long and when temperatures drop below freezing, frozen plumbing pipes are a far too common problem that many homeowners encounter. As a homeowner, you want to protect one of your greatest investments. There are many precautions you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing during the Winter months, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars in damage to your home. The plumbing and heating professionals at Schede Plumbing have compiled a list of precautionary measures that we recommend you take as the cold weather approaches.

Ensure that your pipes are insulated. Use insulating materials to wrap outdoor faucets and pipes as well as pipes located in areas of your household that do not receive heat, such as your garage, basement, and crawl spaces. You can also protect exposed pipes from freezing by utilizing an electric heater in the area.

Allow cold water to trickle from your faucet. It is recommended that you do this during the nighttime or when you are leaving your household for an extended amount of time. The consistently moving water will prevent your pipes from freezing.

Turn Up The Thermostat. You may be reluctant to turn up the thermostat in your home because of the high cost of energy but the cost of damage that can potentially occur due to frozen pipes is much more damaging.

Know the location of the shut-off valve. The shutoff valve is most likely located in your basement or garage. It is important to know the exact location of the shutoff valve and be certain that it is working in case of emergency. If you do not have a shutoff valve, you can contact Schede Plumbing and Heating to install one.

Disconnect water hoses. Water hoses are often overlooked during the winter season. If your garden hose is still connected, icing can potentially occur, which will cause pressure to arise within the water lines inside your house. It is important to disconnect all exterior garden hoses and drain the outdoor pipes to prevent damage from occurring.

One of the most expensive risks homeowners face in the winter is freezing water pipes. The average frozen pipe claim is more than $10,000, and repair of the damage can take weeks. If you follow the tips listed above, you will drastically reduce the chances of the pipes freezing in your house. If your pipes break from freezing temperates, you can contact the pluming professinals at Schede Plumbing and Heating. Damage from frozen pipes need to be addressed efficiently and promptly. If you have a plumbing emergency, remember to stay calm and contact Schede Plumbing and Heating immediately. We offer 24 hour emergency plumbing service and will send over a professional licensed plumber to assess and fix the situation.